Cricket O-1 in Flight

Note the subdued markings on this 23rd TASS Bird Dog that routinely flew missions over Steel Tiger in Laos.. Contrast these markings with the large tail number and USAF markings on the 20th TASS Bird Dog in the Pit at Khe Sanh. Also note the frame over the small star on the fuselage. If necessary, metal placards (with perhaps 3 elephants, for example) could be put in place before flying missions that were best not done with USAF markings. Our configurations included two rocket tubes under each wing. Some birds in the south were configured with four rocket tubes beneath each wing. White phosphorous marking rockets normally were carried so the FACs could mark targets for high-flying fighter-bombers.

  
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